Innovent Biologics Co. Ltd.’s phase III Orient-31 trial for sintilimab in EGFR-mutated nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (nsqNSCLC) met its primary endpoint. In combination with anti-VEGF antibody Byvasda (bevacizumab biosimilar injection) and chemotherapy, the treatment improved progression-free survival vs. chemotherapy alone. “The detailed results of Orient-31 will be released in 2021, and Innovent will file for the new drug application for that indication around early 2022,” Ronnie Ede, chief financial officer and executive director at Innovent, told BioWorld.
Apollo Endosurgery Inc. presented strong results from its endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty study with patients achieving an excess body weight loss of 49.2% at 12 months and the great majority maintaining that loss for two years. Serious adverse events occurred in 2% of patients and all resolved without intensive care or surgical intervention.
Smart Medical Systems Ltd. has released positive data showing its FDA-cleared G-eye balloon endoscope has a higher adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared to Olympus’ Endocuff Vision (ECV) technology in patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy.
LONDON – A U.K. study following up 32.5 million people for 28 days after their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has shown an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke after receiving the Pfizer Inc./Biontech SE product, and confirmed case reports of an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome after the Astrazeneca plc vaccine.
Interim data from a phase II/III study of Moderna Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine show a robust antibody response in children ages 6 through 11, stronger than the one the company found in adolescents. Two 50-mcg doses given 28 days apart also produced a favorable safety profile that nearly mirrored that of adolescents and adults.
CEO Gil Beyen of Erytech Pharma AS said the firm is mulling next steps in the aftermath of phase III data with eryaspase in second-line pancreatic cancer, where the compound – which consists of L-asparaginase encapsulated in a donor-derived red blood cell – missed its primary endpoint of overall survival. “We will have to regroup and see how we can further continue on the different programs that are ongoing,” he said during a conference call with investors.
The race for a Japan-made COVID-19 vaccine is heating up as players make progress with their trials. Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. recently shared the results from its phase I/II trial for DS-5670, its mRNA vaccine. The mRNA vaccine candidate initiated studies in March 2021. The findings showed that in terms of immunogenicity, both neutralizing activity and IgG titer increased after the vaccination.
Innovent Biologics Co. Ltd.’s phase III Orient-31 trial for sintilimab in EGFR-mutated nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (nsqNSCLC) met its primary endpoint. In combination with anti-VEGF antibody Byvasda (bevacizumab biosimilar injection) and chemotherapy, the treatment improved progression-free survival vs. chemotherapy alone.
Novartis AG has had another setback in its attempt to get canakinumab to work in oncology, after the interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) inhibitor flunked a phase III trial in first-line advanced lung cancer.